> The Sleeping Bag Project » Instructions

Instructions

Why the name “Ugly Quilt?”
a. The Sleeping Bag is a utility quilt made from clean used or no-cost fabrics.
b. This simple sleeping bag should not have a market value to assure the homeless are beneficiaries.
c. The name indicates the skill level needed for this tied quilt.
d. The Ugly Quilt can be made in less than a day.
e. A group can make one in an hour.

How To Make An Ugly Quilt

The outer shell of the sleeping bag is made by cutting scrap material, bedspreads, drapes or rummage into the largest square or rectangle the piece will allow.

  1. Sew enough pieces together to form a seven-foot by seven foot (7′ x 7′) square.
  2. Sew two, 7′ by 7′ squares together to form the sleeping bag cover. 7′ by 14′ finished length.
  3. Use a flat sheet as the inside 7′ square.
  4. On three eight foot (8′) church tables, fill one half of the 14′ x 7′ piece with clean old blankets, mattress pads, fiberfill or light-weight rummage. Leave a three inch (3″) seam allowance on the three open edges. Keep it lightweight.
  5. Fold over the remaining 7′ length to make a sandwich.
  6. Tie knots through all three layers with a double crochet cotton to secure the covers to the fill layer.
  7.  Fold the tied 7′ x 7′ in half, R to L forming a 7′ x 3′-6″ sleeping bag leaving the sheet as the inside layer.
  8. Attach 2 neckties at the bottom.
  9. Fold in the raw edges. Hand stitch up the side and bottom with crochet cotton. Leave an opening part way down from the top to make it easy to enter the sleeping bag. 
  10. Roll up sleeping bag and tie the neckties around it to secure it. Tie the remaining ends of the ties to create straps so the sleeping bag can be carried over the shoulder. Please feel free to implement your ideas but keep it simple, quick and cost free.

Please click on the link to print out the instructions –  Sleeping Bag Instructions

Optional Suggestions:

  • Ask a blessing for those who suffer from the cold.
  • Add a hat, gloves, a scarf and a pair of socks. 
  • Add a pillowcase so they can put clothing inside and use it as a pillow.
  • (Please keep it light weight. They do have to carry it with them.)
  • With a Magic Marker, sign and date Sleeping Bag with: My Brothers’ Keeper Quilt Group and your zip code.
  • Add a message of “HOPE”, Non-judgmental e.g. – a page from an old hymnal, daily paper, guidepost.